In Toronto, there are plenty of burger places. Is there an outright best? No, as it’s really a matter of taste and preference. Burger Priest may have perfected the minimalist burger (even the Tower of Babel still consists of the same few components), but on the other end of the scale is Goody’s Diner.

Hidden on a side street off Eglinton in Scarborough, Goody’s is hard to find and only open weekdays from 9AM to 7PM. With the rare occurrence of a morning off work, I jumped at the opportunity to try Goody’s.

The Highwayman Burger with Sweet Potato Fries 11.

Their menu may seem typical, but don’t be fooled – their off-menu elaborate burgers and specials are the key. Beating the lunch crowd by minutes, A ordered the Highwayman burger with sweet potato fries. Consisting of a beef patty, egg, corn relish, three cheeses, onion rings, tomato, lettuce, onion, and pastrami, the towering burger is held together with a skewer. Served with spicy mayo, the fries were cooked perfectly, thin enough to avoid sogginess, but thick enough to retain that sweet potato flavour.

The Jerk Chicken n’ Pork Burger 13

I went for the special of the week – Jerk Chicken n’ Pork burger with cream of wild mushroom soup. Pulled pork, three cheeses, banana peppers, tomato, lettuce, onion and mango chutney topped a juicy chicken patty. The delicious cream of wild mushroom soup was a far cry from canned Campbell’s version of my childhood, with plenty of mushrooms, including button, portabello, and surprisingly, wood ear! The burgers also came with a drink of choice, and their soft drinks are served the best way – in glass bottles.

Service at Goody’s is very friendly, and eager to tell you more about each burger. This hidden 60’s diner is definitely worth visiting – just get there early to beat the lunch crowd!

UPDATE: Hooray! As of Feb 27, Goody’s is now open on Saturdays from 9AM to 7PM!
UPDATE: Unfortunately as of September 7, 2012, Goody’s has closed.
–Thursday February 9, 2012Goody’s Diner
17-133 Manville Rd, Toronto